A general election must be called in the Republic of Ireland before the term ends on March 2025. The coalition government had agreed not to call an election until the Finance Bill had passed, enacting tax cuts which capitalised on surplus corporation tax incomes from global tech and pharma groups.

Politicians in the Republic of Ireland are set to meet for the final time later before the three-week general election campaign begins. On Wednesday, the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) announced that he would seek to dissolve the 33rd Dáil (lower house of Irish parliament) on Friday ahead of calling the snap poll.

The next general election in Ireland will be held on November 29, Irish premier Simon Harris has said. Mr Harris will travel to Aras an Uachtarain on Friday, the official residence of Irish president Michael D Higgins,